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Perforation of the colon

Long-term inflammation and ulcers in the colon can weaken the intestinal wall. Over time, these weaknesses may develop into a perforation.

A perforation can allow bacteria and other intestinal contents to leak out into the abdomen, causing a serious condition called peritonitis.

Peritonitis is the inflammation of the peritoneum, which is the lining of the abdomen. This condition may cause the abdomen to fill with fluid. It can also lead to blood poisoning and sepsis, which is a whole-body inflammatory response to infection.

Blood clots

Numerous studies have shown that people with IBD have an increased risk of blood clot formation, or thrombosis.

When a blood clot blocks a vein in a limb, this is called deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Sometimes, part of the clot can break away and travel to the lungs, which is a potentially fatal complication called a pulmonary embolism.

According to a recent study, people with IBD have a risk of thrombosis that is up to 3 times higher than that of a person who does not have IBD.

Doctors do not know exactly why IBD increases the risk of these blood clots. However, chronic inflammation may trigger a chemical reaction that thickens the blood, increasing the likelihood of clots forming.

According to a 2015 review, the following factors may also increase the risk of blood clots in people with IBD:

Anyone who experiences any of the above symptoms should seek emergency medical attention.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis

Fatigue is a common symptom of primary sclerosing cholangitis.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a condition that involves inflammation and damage to the bile ducts. The bile ducts are tubes that transport digestive enzymes out of the liver and into the digestive system.

PSC affects about 3 percent of people with IBD and generally only occurs when the bowel disease is extensive.

PSC is a lifelong disease that typically progresses slowly, and it also increases the risk of some potentially life-threatening complications.

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